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Schoolkids Bonus: How to claim everything you're entitled to

By Lynne Hughes |

Parents with school aged children are already acutely aware that education, even at government schools, is not exactly free. Since 2008 parents of school aged children have been able to claim a tax offset for certain education expenses.

On 1 January 2013, the Gillard government introduced the new Schoolkids Bonus to replace the old Education Tax Refund (ETR). Eligible families received $410 a year for each child in primary school and $820 a year for each child in secondary school.

However, the Abbott government intend to abolished this bonus. It will continue until the end of 2016, which will allow families time to adjust to the change. The last instalment will be paid in July 2016. An income test will also apply to the Schoolkids Bonus starting on 1 January 2015.

Schoolkids bonus – what it means for you

The Schoolkids Bonus helps to pay for expenses such as uniforms, books, school excursions, stationery and other costs including music lessons and sports registration fees.

Eligible families are paid the bonus automatically in January and July.

Eligible families and students receive:

$410 a year for each primary student ($205 paid in January and $205 paid in July)

$820 a year for each secondary student in ($410 paid in January and $410 paid in July).

Who is eligible for the Schoolkids Bonus payment?

A parent may be eligible for the Schoolkids Bonus if they or their child meet the education requirements and receive a qualifying payment.

Students may also be eligible for the Schoolkids Bonus if they meet the education requirements and receive a qualifying payment.

An income test will also apply to the Schoolkids Bonus starting on 1 January 2015.

What are the age and education requirements?

Your child must be undertaking primary or secondary studies and 19 years of age or under to be eligible for the Schoolkids Bonus.
If you are a student, you must be undertaking primary or secondary studies and 19 years of age or under to be eligible.

What is a qualifying payment?

To receive the Schoolkids Bonus, you or your child must be receiving one of the following payments on the test date (either 1 January or 30 June):

If none of the above applies to you, but you or your children are in primary or secondary school and you are eligible for Schoolkids Bonus, it will be paid to you automatically without the need to contact Centrelink.